AN amazing 76 young people from the Guides across West Essex came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch on Thursday 30th June 2016.
The event honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £200 each, already presented. They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and small but always for doing their best.
In addition nine adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards who have demonstrated, in an outstanding way, an ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.
The Guides in West Essex have received funding of: £443,328 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2000.
Cathy Kent, The Mayor of Thurrock who presented the award said it was “A very nice evening. Jack Petchey’s support for these organisations is simply amazing. You can see their confidence grow and the pride in the recipients this evening, and this is something that the Guides and the Jack Petchey Foundation excel at- giving young people the space to grow. You read a lot of negative press about young people today – but tonight is where the real news is at.”
Philippa Crowder, The Mayor of Havering, who also presented the award, commented: “What a fantastic evening, I enjoy these events so much and it’s such a joyful mood. I arrive feeling happy and leave feeling fantastic. It’s such an uplifting experience to recognise, reward, and show these young ladies that they are valued and to thank them for their commitment and dedication. I would recommend these evenings to anyone. The levels of dedication and commitment are commendable, and to present the Jack Petchey Award is the icing on the cake.”
Alice also made the raffle prize from unused squares of material and organised the raffle which raised £100 for the foundation. She is currently working on her Baden Powell Award, which is the highest award a Guide can achieve.
Alice decided to spend her £200 Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award on a trip to Stubbers Activity Centre, for her and 20 other Guides.
Jasmine Turnell, aged 13, is a member of the 1st Epping Guides. Jasmine received her award for her outstanding leadership skills and dedication to completing her Guides badges. She was the only Guide in her Patrol to have completed her first year challenge badge during her first term at Guides. This involved completing two interest badges, two activities away from the meeting place, and a community action activity. She has gone on to participate in the majority of the activities that have been made available to her and is about to complete her Baden Powell Award.
She is a Patrol Leader, working with the younger girls in her Patrol to help them complete their badges. Jasmine is a Young Leader with the local Brownie Unit, supporting the adult leaders in helping to run the weekly meetings. She regularly goes on Pack Holiday with them, helping the Brownies with their activities. Jasmine is a bright, unassuming girl who is able to lead through her dedication to overcome challenges and her ability to get people to work as a team, which is no mean feat.
Jasmine has decided to spend her £200 Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award on a group trip to Foxlease Guide Centre in Hampshire.
Holly Rhodes, aged 16, is a member of the 5th Upminster Guides. Holly has been nominated for the award because of her enthusiasm and dedication to her Unit. In her duties as a Young Leader, Holly has helped to organise and run evenings at Guides for over 20 girls. She is also active outside of Guides within her community and has spent her summer holiday teaching children to read at Upminster Library.
Holly spent her £200 Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award on a trip for 15 members of her Unit to Pax Lodge Guide Centre.
Sarah Lock, aged 14, is a member of the 2nd Tilbury Guides. Sarah is a valued member of the Unit who has been nominated for the exceptional support she gives to it. The Unit has a large number of girls that require additional assistance and Sarah steps up to assist within her Patrol, teaching new skills and designing activities to allow these skills to develop. This makes her very popular with all the Guides both in and outside of her own Patrol.
She is also an active Patrol Leader and will look to encourage all members to take part in every activity. Sarah is always keen to represent the Unit within the community at events such as fundraising, Remembrance Services and all Division events.
Sarah chose to spend her £200 Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award rewarding the Unit with a trip to Thorpe Park.
